New England Patriots LB Dont'a Hightower (pectoral) underwent successful surgery Thursday, Oct. 26, to repair his torn pectoral, according to a source. He is expected to be fully recovered for next season.

New England Patriots LB Dont'a Hightower (shoulder) won't play in Week 8 Sunday, Oct. 29, versus the Los Angeles Chargers. It's possible he misses additional time as well, as the team is still evaluating the extent of his shoulder injury. His timetable remains "undefined" as of now.

New England Patriots LB Dont'a Hightower (undisclosed) will not play in the preseason game against the Detroit Lions Friday, Aug. 25. He was activated from the Physically Unable to Perform list earlier this week and has participated in only two practices.

Updating a previous report, New England Patriots LB Dont'a Hightower's four-year contract includes numerous incentives that are based on playing time. In addition to receiving $54,687.50 for every game he is active, he could earn up to $2 million in annual incentives based on the percentage of snaps he plays. Hightower would earn $375,000 in bonuses for playing in 65 percent of snaps, an additional $250,000 for 70 percent, another $250,000 for 75 percent and another $125,000 for 80 percent. He can also earn $500,000 bonuses for earning first-team All-Pro or making the Pro Bowl on the original ballot.

Free-agent LB Dont'a Hightower (Patriots) re-signed with the New England Patriots Wednesday, March 15, on a four-year deal worth $43.5 million, according to Hightower's agent, SportsTrust Advisors. He will receive $19 million in guaranteed money.